San Andres eyes 15th straight National Rider of the Year

MANILA, Philippines - Multi-titled rider Kenneth San Andres is confident of securing a 15th straight National Rider of the Year award when the season begins with the “The Motocross Masters of Asia,” the Philippine leg of the FIM Asian Motocross Supercross Championship, March 26-27 in Puerto Princesa.

The event coincides with the first leg of the national series, under the auspices of the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA), the only motorsports body authorized to give out Rider of the Year awards, being the local arm of the Asian motorsports association FIM Asia.

San Andres was recently the awardee for motocross in the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night, held at the Manila Hotel, together with junior rider Jerrick Mitra, a Tony Siddayao PSA awardee.

According to NAMSSA, San Andres was the only motorsports rider to have won internationally in 2010 in the premier divisions of the FIM Asia.

Early this year, San Andres, who is backed by Oakley, Bridgestone Tires, HJC Helmets, Fox Racing, Polisport, EZ Trailer, Inside Racing, JBS Motorcycle Parts and Accessories and Bike Plus, ruled the 2011 Chinese Taipei International Supercross Cup.

The 2010 National Rider of the Year ruled both heats of the premier Pro Open in style, turning back the challenge of Thailand’s Atison Raudreo (second) and Italian Brian Hsu (third) on both occasions.

So dominant was San Andres, representing the Philippine-NAMSSA Motocross Team, that he left his chief rivals and the 12-rider field the scrambling in the trail of his dust, winning both heats by huge distances, with the second race reaching a winning length of 35 meters.

“I hope to replicate my success last year in the 2011 season,” said San Andres, a Valenzuela native. “With the help of friends and my backers, I am positive that I can carry the Philippine flag again proudly.”